Arabian Gulf – On December 16, 2025, the Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara (LCS32) successfully launched a Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) from its flight deck while transiting the Arabian Gulf.

The operation marked the first time the U.S. Navy employed the LUCAS attack drone at sea.

The drone is operated by Task Force 59 and is part of Task Force Scorpion Strike, a squadron of one-way attack drones recently deployed to the Middle East.

Officials said the deployment aims to strengthen regional security and enhance deterrence in the region.

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